Magnus I of Norway

Magnus I "the Good" of Norway (1024-25 October 1047) was King of Norway from 1035 to 25 October 1047, succeeding Canute and preceding Harald III of Norway.

Biography
Magnus was born in 1024, an illegitimate son of Olaf II of Norway and his concubine Alfhild. Magnus idolized Charlemagne, and he sought to become a great king. In 1025, Olaf was defeated by Canute of Denmark at Helgea and deposed three years later, and he was slain at Stiklestad in 1030. Magnus was proclaimed King of Norway after Canute's death in 1035, with Canute's unpopular son Svein Knutsson fleeing Norway. In 1040, Magnus initiated a campaign against Denmark in hopes of defeating Harthacanute and reuniting Denmark with Norway. In 1042, Magnus succeeded Harthacanute as King of Denmark, uniting the two nations. However, Canute's nephew Svein continued the fight against Magnus, and he proclaimed himself "King Sweyn II of Denmark" in 1047. Magnus fought against Sweyn for years, but he decided to grant Denmark to Sweyn and Norway to Harald Hardrada on his deathbed.